Best Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh
The most necessary and important part of any structure is to test the Foundation Soils. Better to hire a Best Soil Test Company in Dhaka Bangladesh. The building rests on soil along its whole life. The structural Engineers can’t design the Structure without it. They need to know the bearing capacity and physical properties of soil. It’s impossible to design proper foundation without soil test report. Whether a shallow or a deep foundation, soil test is a must. Bangladesh is a severe earthquake vulnerable area. A proper soil test from a reputed company will assure your building’s safer life. SHELLMARK LIMITED has proudly conducted the Sub-soil investigation of Bangabandhu Satellite Ground Station, Gazipur.
Soil Test Report for Building Construction in Bangladesh.
We provide soil testing services to major Govt. Organizations in Bangladesh. Public Works Department (PWD), Local Govt. Engineering Department (LGED), Military Engineering Services (MES), and Ministry of Shipping (MOS). are remarkable of them. We also provide soil testing services for private Organizations. Square Informatics Ltd, Mercantile Bank Limited, Barnali Collections Ltd, Professional Associates Ltd, Real Condominium Ltd, A K Khan Economic Zone (AKKEZ), and Bricks Construction Limited are notable. We also provide soil testing services to individual clients and property owners all over Bangladesh. Our extensive works rank us as the Best Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
OUR TEST FACILITIES:
SI
Name of Laboratory Test
Specifications
01
Natural Moisture Content
ASTM D2216
02
Specific Gravity Test
ASTM D854
03
Sieve Analysis-Grain Size Analysis
ASTM D6913
04
Hydrometer Test
ASTM D7928
05
Atterberg Limit
ASTM D4318
06
Direct Shear Test
ASTM D3080
07
ConsolidationnTest-1D Test for Cohesive Soil (If Any)
ASTM D2435
08
Unconfined Compression Test
ASTM D2166
09
Density Test
ASTM D2937
10
Unit Weight
ASTM D7263
Top 10 Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh
OUR FIELD EQUIPMENT:
SI
Description of Item
Quantity
01
Drilling Rig up to 200 Feet Capacity
5 Set
02
Marine Pontoon
1 Nos
03
Soil Sampler(Disturbed)
100 Nos
04
Injector (Various Dia)
2 Nos
05
Mud Pump
10 Nos
06
Casing Pipe (Various Dia)
100m
07
Soil Sampler
10 Nos
08
Auto Trip Hammer for SPT Counting
5 Nos
09
Slurry Pump
5 Nos
10
Drill Pipe (Various Dia)
1000m
11
Piston (Various Dia)
2 Nos
12
Vane Shear Test Apparatus
1 Set
Reliable Soil Test Report at Low Cost in Bangladesh
OUR LAB EQUIPMENT:
SI
Description of Item
Quantity
01
Microwave Oven
2 Nos
02
Unconfined Compression Test machine
2 Nos
03
Field Compact Test
1 Nos
04
Hydrometer
5 Nos
05
Moisture Teller
6 Nos
06
Triaxial Test Apparatus
1 Nos
07
Salinity Test Apparatus
3 Nos
08
Direct Shear Test Machine
2 Nos
09
Balance
6 Nos
10
Atterberg Limit Device
2 Nos
Best Geotechnical Investigation Company in Bangladesh
OUR HISTORY IN NUMBERS
Why SHELLMARK is the Best Soil Test Company in Bangladesh?
1. 12+ Years in Soil Testing Services
SHELLMARK LIMITED is providing Soil Testing and Geotechnical Investigation Services since 2012. We are providing soil Testing Services to Government, Semi-government, Autonomous Bodies, and Private sectors. We have long-term experience and accurate test facilities. Which rank us as the top 10 Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We do not only take the field SPT N-Values. Also, we test the soil samples in our Geotechnical Lab.
2. Experienced Field Team
Our field team members are our full-time employees. We have a full-time foreman to conduct fieldwork. Our soil test foreman is 18 years experienced. Both of our skilled and non-skilled field members are more than 10 years of experience. So, they are capable of doing fieldwork accurately. We never engage a person in field work without soil testing experience. Sometimes, our project Engineers visit the site if required.
3. Maintain Highest Field Accuracy
We always maintain the highest field accuracy. Care must be taken during Standard Penetration Test (SPT-N) counts. Also, in collection of both disturbed and undisturbed samples. Our field Engineers always guide our foreman in this regard. Which make us the Best Soil Test Company in Bangladesh. We are famous to maintain the highest field accuracy. We have printed filed data collection sheet. SPT N-Values, Ground Water Table (GWT), Date of filed work, Reduced Level (RL), and Soil Condition are carefully recorded on it.
4. Whole Bangladesh Services Coverage
Our team members are always ready to move to any district. They can move within 24 hours prior notice. We have our own pick-up van. Generally, we carry our testing equipment and manpower with it. We have our own night stay facility at the site for our team. So, staying at the site is fully hustle-free for us. In special cases, our team is capable of working in night shift.
5. Own Soil Testing Laboratory
We have our own soil testing laboratory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Both disturbed and undisturbed samples can be tested in our Lab. Field team collects the soil sample and transfer the specimen to the lab. Our expert lab technician performs the test carefully. Our testing laboratory results are accepted by PWD, MES, LGED, NHA. Also, many other governments and private organizations. Sometimes, we send the soil samples to BUET lab as per the client’s request. It helps us to cross-check our lab test results.
6. 500+ Soil Test Completed
We have successfully completed more than 500 points of soil tests all over Bangladesh. We have proudly conducted the sub-soil investigation of Bangabandhu Satellite Ground Station at Gazipur. The work has been carried out on behalf of Square Informatics Ltd (SIL). We also conducted soil tests at the Police Training Center at Khulna. The Ministry of Shipping Head Quarter at Agargaon. SHELLMARK is the enlisted Soil Test Company of PWD and MES.
7. Authentic Test Reports
Our soil test reports are more authentic and accurate. We strictly follow the Bangladesh National Building Code, BNBC-2020 guidelines. We prepare final report based on it. To calculate the Bearing capacity of soil, we use Tarzagi bearing capacity formula. To classify the foundation soil, unified soil classification methods are used. We compile all of our test results and necessary graphs in our reports. The reports are prepared by experienced Geotechnical Engineers.
8. Cost Effective Test Rates
Our Soil Test Cost in Bangladesh are very Reasonable and Competitive. Basic Soil Test Cost Starts from TK.7000/point up to 60 feet depth in Dhaka city. Test up to 100 feet depth TK.10000/point is charged. In the case of outside Dhaka city, mobilization charges are included. The above rates are included in field works, Lab Tests, and Reports delivery.
Conclusions
SHELLMARK has successfully completed the Soil Test in some mega projects in Bangladesh. We always maintain the best quality in fieldwork. We have our own soil testing laboratory to test soil samples accurately. Our efficient work process, accurate test reports, and field accuracy rank us as the Best soil Test Company in Dhaka Bangladesh.
Our Terms and Conditions:
1. Work Order and Schedule Booking:
If you want to appoint us to conduct a soil test. firstly, you must give us a written work order. Don’t worry if you are in remote places. We accept work orders via email. If you are extremely unable to make a work order, we have an alternative solution for you. You can book us over a telephone call or live chat from our website. In all cases, you must have taken the schedule at least 2 days prior to starting the fieldwork.
2. Modes Of Payments:
We have a provision of 50% advance payment. The soil test schedule is only to be confirmed upon receipt of the advanced payment. We will mobilize to the project location after two days of confirmation. In case of payment collection we have number of methods. We accept Bkash, Nagad, Rocket, BEFTN, RTGS etc. We instantly share the money receipt upon receipt of payment. The rest of the amount is to be paid at the time of final report delivery.
3. Site Requirements and Client’s Duty:
Water availability is a prerequisite in soil testing works. You must assure to have a source of water nearby for your project. We have the capacity to collect water from 300 feet distance. We also need clear spaces to stand up our tripod. In that case, at least 6 feet by 6 feet clear space is required. We also need an 18 feet vertical clear height for the same. If you have an electric connection at your site, it is our extra benefit. In that case, we carry an electric pump to expedite our fieldwork.
4. Lab Test and Report Delivery:
Generally, we take 7 to 10 days to deliver the final report. If you have a hurry, we can speedup our lab test. Then the delivery can be made within 5 days. In case of urgent delivery, we charge extra pay for it. Most importantly, we deliver 2 copies of the soil test report in hard copy. The report must be signed by a registered Geo-technical Engineer. We also share the scan pdf copy of the report through email.
5. Minimum Bore Points and Depth:
As per Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC-2020) Guidelines. The minimum number of borehole points must be 3 (three). No matter, how small the land size is. We always move for at least 3 (Three) boreholes within Dhaka city. In the case of greater Dhaka, we move for at least 5 (Five) Boreholes. For remote district, we move for 10 (Ten) points. Actually, there is no depth Limit for soil exploration. We always look for SPT over 50. When 3 (three) layers achieve 50 SPT-N Values, we call it rock-like soil. We stop the boring up to that soil. As per BNBC guidelines, we try to proceed up to 6 meters lower level from the expected depth of the foundation.
6. Mobilization and Demobilization Charge:
Mobilization and demobilization include the carrying of boring equipment and manpower. We do not impose extra charges for within Dhaka city for it. Project outside Dhaka city, up-down pickup fare to be added. In case of boring points more than 50 points outside Dhaka, we offer free for carrying change.
7. Labour Accommodation:
For projects outside Dhaka City, need night stay for labors. In that case, we expect the labor stay facilities from the clients. It may be a labor shed, under-construction buildings. If it is not possible from your site, please let us know. We have a portable temporary labor stay facility.
8. Report Retention Period:
Your soil test reports are very important to us. We preserve your test reports for up to 2 years. You may request us to deliver an extra copy within this period. The Reports are also valuable to you. We request go to keep your copy in a safe place. So, that you can use it anytime as per your needs.
9. Sample Disposals from Lab:
Generally, we dispose of all soil samples within one week of report delivery. We do so, due to not having enough space to keep a large number of samples in our lab. If you want to retain your samples for more than our retention period. You have to pay an extra charge for it.
10. Code and Standards:
We follow The ASTM D-1586 code guidelines for conducting field works. Also, use BNBC-2020 for visual classifications of soil samples. We also use Terzaghi Formula for identifying the soil-bearing capacity. Meyerhof and M.J. Tomlinson formula are used for cohesive soil.
Why Soil Test for Building in Bangladesh is Important?
Geographically Bangladesh is located in a very active Earthquake vulnerable zone. The unplanned city expansion of Dhaka enhances vulnerability more and more. The Earthquake forces imposed on the foundation of buildings. So the design of the foundation must be adequate to carry all gravity and lateral loads. The design of the building foundation directly depends on the underneath soil condition of the proposed land. That’s why knowing Soil Bearing Capacity is the most important part of foundation design. Soil Testing is the only method to understand the soil properties and bearing capacity. A reputed and Best Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh will guide you to get the exact properties of foundation soils.
1. Ensures Building Safety:
Proper soil test data help to design a building foundation safely. The type of foundation and its depth directly depends on it. Before starting Structural Design, a proper soil investigation is required. We must know the soil properties which mainly ensure the ultimate building safety. Though your building superstructures are strong enough. But the foundation soil is weak. Which causes the total failure of the structures. Inappropriate soil test causes many dangerous incidents in Building Structures.
2. Minimize Foundation Cost:
Proper and accurate soil testing reduces the foundation cost as well as the building cost. Without soil tests, foundation designers may imply more factors of safety in foundation design. This may occur to unusual costs of buildings. On the other hand, if foundation soils are not capable of carrying building loads, it occurs total building failure. Proper Soil Test from a Best Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh may reduce your foundation cost by 20%. So, do not hesitate to hire an experienced and professional Soil Test Company for your valuable project.
3. Save Life and Property:
The total building structures stand on foundation soil. If soil bearing capacity is not adequate to carry building loads, the building may fully or partially collops. Which may cause huge life risks and property loss. It is difficult to change the foundation strength of a complete building. It is also a risky and costly task. Strengthening or retrofitting of existing building’s foundation is very costly and tiresome too. So ensure accurate soil testing before starting building design.
4. Enhance Building Life:
Generally, a building may design for a certain service life of 80 to 100 years. If your superstructures are strong enough but the foundation undergoes partial settlement or failure. It drastically impacts your superstructures to impose additional shear, moment, and torsion. Settlement of foundations can not be tackled by any means. The resulting failure of buildings before their designed lifetime. A proper understanding of the foundation soil properties and its safe bearing capacity may mitigate any unusual circumstances.
5. Prevent Building Settlement:
When a building stands on soft soil, it must settle down after a certain period of life. There are two types of settlements that occur in Structures. Firstly, Uniform Settlements Secondly, Differential Settlements. Uniform settlements are less harmful because the whole structures undergo to settle down uniformly. But the differential settlements are very vulnerable to any structures. Because a portion of a structure settles down more than the other portion. In this case, structural elements experienced additional moment, shear, and torsional forces. As a result, catastrophic failure occurred on the whole structure and cause a huge loss of property and lives. So, we should rest at any type of structure in a hard layer of soil. A proper soil test and sub-soil investigation may resolve the all above issues.
6. Provide Ground Water Level:
Nowadays, most high-rise buildings are consists of Two or More Basements parking. The construction of Multi basement building needs deep excavation of foundation soil. The critical issues in such construction are the negative pore water pressure and seepage. Which lead a basement construction to the collapse of shore protection and side soil. Also, the negative pressure of soil is a vital issue in designing shear walls and basement slabs. Accurately knowing the Ground Water Level from Soil Test Reports, a structural engineer can consider and take preventive measures against the above circumstances.
Conclusions:
The above circumstances are very important to consider in designing a building. If you have a plan to build your dream house, please hire a Best Soil Testing Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh to conduct the proper design of the building, which save your life and property.
Process of Soil Test for Building Construction in Bangladesh.
Soil Test Companies in Bangladesh follow different methods to calculate the soil-bearing capacity for buildings. Most of the company follow Standard Penetration Test (SPT) Methods. This soil test process is a very simple and cost-effective test rate for obtaining the bearing capacity of foundation soils. We at SHELLMARK Limited follow the SPT method for Soil Tests in Bangladesh. Our efficient filed work, accurate lab test, and reliable report makes us the Best Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
1. Site Preparation:
This is the first step, while you are thinking of conducting a geotechnical investigation at your proposed site. You have to demolish existing old structures and properly clean them before starting work. If complete demolition is not possible, then try to create an open space of 5 feet by 5 feet for placing the soil test rigs and tripods. Water requirement is a very essential pre-requisite during Soil exploration. So nearby source of water selection is also a vital part of the whole process. Try to break and remove any RCC floor found under the boring points before conducting boring work.
2. Fixing Bore Hole Numbers and Locations:
The properties of soil may vary from one location to an adjacent location. So it is very crucial part to select the number of boring points depending on the land size and shape. For very small sites like 2 Katha to 3 Katha land, at least 3 points of soil tests are desirable. But for the larger size of land, 1 point for every 1 Katha land provides more accurate and relevant soil data from test results. The selection of borehole locations is also an important port. The building footprint and the uniform intensity of test points are considered vital issues for the selection of wash boring locations.
3. Mobilization of Field Equipment:
The site mobilization includes the carrying of soil test equipment. The equipment includes a drilling Rig, Casing Pipes, Drill Pipes, Soil Sampler, Auto Trip Hammer, Slurry Pump, Water Injector, Tripod, Vanilla Rope, etc. The carrying of skilled labor and non-skilled labor is also part of site mobilization. Generally, We carry the equipment and manpower through a 3 tons Pickup Van. Sometimes it is required to stay all manpower at the site for many days. In this case, we make a temporary labor shed or Tabu at the project site.
4. Field SPT Collections:
Field SPT collections are the most important part of the wash-boring soil sampling method. In this process, we penetrate the boring points up to the desired depth and count the SPT values at each 5 feet depth up to desired SPT value. To collect the SPT value we attach a soil sampler, named Split Spoon Sampler to the drill pipe and placed it at the desired level. An Auto Tripped Hammer of 63.5 kg in weight is dropped repeatedly from the same fixed height of 30 inches until the sampler penetrates up to 6 inches in depth and the number of blows is recorded. This process continues another two times to penetrate in total 18-inch depth and recorded the values separately.
5. Computation of SPT N Value:
From the recorded SPT Values, we compute the corrected SPT or SPT N-Values on the SPT field log. We consider the blows for the first 6 inches of penetration as seating value and do not count in the calculation of SPT N Value. We count the rest of the 12 inches of penetration blows as the total SPT N Values. For very hard or rock-type soils, 50 SPT N-Vales are desirable. So, we continue to collect the SPT blows up to desired depth where 50 SPT N Values are obtained. In the case of a deep foundation, we look for at least a 6m depth hard soil layer under where the foundation rests on the soil.
6. Sample Collections:
In the wash boring method, we generally collect two types of samples at different depths of a boring point. a) Disturbed Samples b) Undisturbed Samples. When the in-situ properties of soil samples get disturbed we consider them as disturbed soil samples. If these properties remain the same we called them undisturbed samples. For the collection of disturbed soil samples, We use the Split Spoon Samplers. On the other hand, We collect undisturbed soil samples using Piston Samplers. We also use Shallbe tubes to collect the undisturbed samples.
7. Lab Test of Soil Samples:
We transfer the collected disturbed and undisturbed soil samples to the soil test laboratory. The physical properties of soil samples are captured by an experienced Geotechnical Engineer. The mechanical properties are calculated by performing necessary lab tests of all soil samples. The commonly used laboratory tests are Natural Moisture Content, Specific Gravity, Atterberg Limits, Soil Density, Grain Size Analysis, Hydrometer Test, Direct Shear Test, Unconfined Compression Test, Consolidation Test, Triaxial Shear Test, etc. Sometimes, we send soil samples to BUET Geotechnical Lab for High-rise Buildings to get more authentic results.
8. Test Results & Report:
The Lab Test Results are further analyzed by expert Geotechnical and Foundation Engineers. Final test result data sheets and necessary graphical presentations are prepared. From the data sheets, soil bearing capacity and other properties are calculated using different Formulas. The most commonly and widely used Formula is TARZAGI BEARING CAPACITY FORMULA. The factor of safety for soil bearing capacity is considered as FS=3. After compiling these all data, a Soil Test Report is prepared and supplied to the client duly signed by RAJUK Enlisted Foundation Engineer.
Conclusions:
Soil Test for Computing Bearing Capacity is the most important part of Designing suitable, economical, and safe foundations. Structural Engineers use these soil test reports for further Foundation Design and other sub-structures. A Best Soil Test Company in Dhaka, Bangladesh can make sure to Conduct the whole sophisticated process accurately.
Soil Test Cost in Bangladesh
Soil Test Costs in Bangladesh generally vary from Tk.7000/- to Tk.25000/-. It depends on a number of factors. The major factors are listed below:
1. Depth of Bore Hole
The cost of soil Tests varies on the depth of explorations. Generally, shallow depth is low cost, and deeper costs are high. It’s because in-depth more than 100 feet required more time and Manpower. On the other hand, a depth of fewer than 100 feet required comparatively Less manpower and time. A 6-person team, Generally, can collect SPT up to 70 feet to 80 feet in a day. But in case of 100 feet to 120 feet depth, 8 persons are required. We have soil test capacity up to 150 feet by manual wash boring method. For beyond 150 feet depth, we use a rotary drilling rig. We have also an auto trip hammer to ensure the exact free fall of the hammer.
2. Numbers of Bore Hole
The total number of Boreholes is a major factor in Soil Test Cost. Generally, the soil Test charges are taken on the Number of Bore Holes and depth basis. The rates became lower if the number of Bore Holes is more. It’s because the mobilization and demobilization costs remain the same for a specific site. Most importantly, for a site outside Dhaka City, we look for at least 10 points of soil Test. Inside Dhaka, we conduct a minimum of 3 Points. We fix our charges according to the number of points. For example, we charge Tk.6000/Point up to 60 feet depth of 3 Nos boreholes. But the charge may be reduced to Tk.5000/- for 10 Boreholes.
3. Location of Site
The cost of soil Tests in Bangladesh depends on the Location of the proposed site. We consider Dhaka City as the zero point. The distance of the proposed site is calculated from the distance of Dhaka City. In the case of a site within Dhaka city, we do not include any extra charge for mobilization and demobilization. But for a site outside Dhaka city or in a remote area, we include an extra charge for the conveyance of equipment and manpower. We add the pickup fare as an additional cost. The labor charge is also slightly higher outside Dhaka City. Because they have to stay at night at the proposed site.
4. Method Of Soil Exploration
Soil Test cost in Bangladesh depends on the soil Test method. There are many methods are practiced in Bangladesh. Wash Boring Method, Cone Penetration Test(CPT) Method, California Bearing Ratio(CBR), etc. Each method requires different types of arrangements. Thus, costs are various. For example, in the wash boring method-if, you want SPT at each 5 feet depth all over the depth. The cost may be higher than usual.
5. Amount of Lab Test
The cost of soil Test depends on the amount of Lab Test carried out. Every soil Test company or Institute have its own charts for Lab Test. BUET Geotechnical Lab charges Tk.2300/- for specific Gravity Test. They charge Tk.3800/- for Grain Size Analysis. Charge Tk.7000/- for Hydrometer Test. There is some costly test like consolidation Test, Direct Shear Test Unconfined Compression Test, etc. BUET also charges Tk. 24000/- for the one-dimensional consolidation Test. They charge Tk. 10000/- for Unconfined compression Test. Tk. 16000/- for Direct shear Test.
6. Urgency of Test Report
The test of soil samples in the Geotechnical Lab required some time. Generally, we take 10 to 15 days to perform necessary Lab Tests on a regular basis. Most importantly, the consolidation test requires more time than another test. It comprises continuous loading and unloading at different loads. If any client wants to have Lab Test within 5 to 10 days. We perform the Test on the day and night shifts. Also, some tests are performed simultaneously with additional lab technicians. In this case, we impose some additional charge for it.
7. Offshore & Onshore Sites
Soil Test Costs may be different in offshore and onshore areas. Generally, an offshore site does not require any extra arrangement. But in the case of the onshore site, some extra arrangements are required. Soil Test underwater requires a boat, Villa, and extra cashing pipes. It Causes the high price of soil Tests. Also, more skilled manpower is required in soil testing under rivers or sea beds. Bentonite powder is required to maintain the stability of boring soil.
8. Geographical Features
Soil Test cost depends on the Geographical features also. Sometimes it’s required to clean the jungle before starting the soil test. In this case, extra labor is engaged to do so. In some cases, the proposed site contains an RCC floor under the existing ground level. We impose an extra floor breaking charge for it. As we conduct soil testing all over Bangladesh. Sometimes we need to move to the hilly areas. In the case of hilly areas, Changes are higher than the plain Land.
Soil Test Report in Bangladesh
Soil Test Report in Bangladesh Contains the following Information:
1. Project Information
2. Date of Filed SPT Collection
3. Reduced Level(RL) of Site
4. Numbers of Bore Hole
5. Depth of Bore Hole
6. Ground Water Table
7. Weather Condition
8. Client’s Name
9. Site Address
10. Height of Building(Story Height)
11. Occupancy of the Building
12. Methodology of Test
13. Scope of Works
14. Physical Properties of Soil
15. Bearing Capacity Table
16. Test Points Location Layout
17. SPT Logs
18. Laboratory Test Results
19. Necessary Graphical Presentations
20. Detail of Geotechnical Engineer
21. Recommendations for Foundation Types
22. Information of Testing Company
